Mini Bacon Cheese Burgers

With summer in full swing, these mini bacon cheese burgers should definitely be on your to do list. Serve with or without a bun for the perfect summer treat. Serve with fried potatoes, roasted butternut squash, or your favorite summer side dish for the perfect meal!

Preparation:Step 1 – Mix ground beef with smoked salt and pepper. Measure into 2 oz portions, and hand form into mini burger patties. You should be able to make 8 mini burgers from 1 lb of ground beefStep 2 – Slice tomatoes and prepare lettuce by shredding, or purchase pre-shredded lettuceStep 3 – Grill or pan fry mini burgers to desired doneness. Apply the slice of cheese when they are close to done and allow to meltStep 4 – Assemble the burgers by first placing the burger patty on top of a slice of tomato. Next add 1 tsp or desired amount of bacon jam, then place shredded lettuce on top to complete

Chef's Tip: Using my Bacon Jam recipe on the burgers adds a new twist to the traditional bacon cheese burgers. It's salty, tangy and sweet! Look for the recipe in the Seven Sons Kitchen at https://sevensons.net/recipes

Preparation:Step 1 - Cut bacon in to 3/4 in chunks. In a large pot over medium high heat, cook the bacon until brown and crisp. Drain on a paper towel, saving about 4 - 6 tablespoons of the bacon fat for the next stepStep 2 – In the reserved bacon fat, add the sliced onion and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, 8 - 10 minutes Step 3 – Next add the maple syrup, vinegar, Dijon mustard, water and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, and turn the burner on high, and bring the mixture up to a boilStep 4 – Lower heat to simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Longer cook time may be needed if mixture does not become thick and glossyStep 5 - Add the bacon and stir to combine. Allow mixture to cool for 20 - 30 minutes. Then place mixture in to food processor and pulse until combined, but still chunky